A Picture's Worth: PECS and Other Visual Communication Strategies in Autism

by Lori Frost, Lori Frost

Most young children with autism have significant delays in acquiring communication skills, a hallmark characteristic of autism. But with intensive early intervention and Applied Behavior Analysis techniques, children can be taught how to communicate successfully, even before they acquire the ability to use speech. A PICTURE'S WORTH examines the value of non-verbal communication strategies for children with autism, and presents the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) in detail. PECS is a communication system that allows a child to use a picture (or series of pictures) to express his needs and desires without a prompt or cue from another person. Authors Bondy and Frost co-developed PECS during many years of experience working with children with autism, and now share their expertise in this easy-to-understand guide for parents. After a thorough review of verbal communication development, A PICTURE'S WORTH explains how autism affects the acquisition and progression of those skills. Without the ability to express themselves, children with autism experience a high level of frustration, which is the root cause of many undesirable behaviors. The book explores the relationship between behavior and communication, teaching parents how to recognize patterns in their own child’s behavior and when to begin a visual communication program such as PECS. The authors recommend that parents teach PECS in a succession of six phases. Each phase builds on the previous one, until a child is capable of constructing sentences with pictures to make requests and comments about his surroundings. The book provides many real-life case studies, along with a complete series of lessons, from beginner to more advanced PECS techniques. There is no minimum age or cognitive level required for a child to begin learning PECS. While PECS is frequently used with children who are non-verbal, it has been used effectively with kids who speak, but do not initiate communication. And contrary to many parents’ concerns, PECS does not inhibit a child’s ability to acquire and use speech. A PICTURE'S WORTH promises the opportunity for most children with autism to acquire meaningful and effective communication skills.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Nonfiction, Education

155 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2001

Reviews

[Cin Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic information

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really helpful book that clearly outlines how to implement the use of PECS with students with autism. The book is clearly outlined, lessons are very to the point, and in general it just feels like an efficient but meaningful read.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first chapters were basic and somewhat academic, discussing definitions of terms and going into a lot of detail about situations where PECS could be useful. However Chapter 7 "Advanced Lessons within PECS" and chapter 8 "Using Visual Strategies to enhance understanding" were valuable.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a very good overview of the PECS system. It makes an excellent quick reference guide for PECS as well.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introductory text on teaching communication to those who are developmentally delayed.
Also, a good recap text for those who've (slightly) wandered off the path. Or need a memory booster.